RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G

RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (Full Version)

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sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (1/16/2017 8:58:20 AM)
T81 The New Year gets off to a great start as the fearless Romanians storm Sevastopol on New Year's Eve after a siege of about 10 months. [image]local://upfiles/35790/1A77A37B2A5640B0BFE5052EF6AE4547.jpg[/image] Comrade Brian's last hope has vanished like a mirage

sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (1/16/2017 9:13:52 AM)
Ballsack [image]local://upfiles/35790/5CE0885D17F3495FADBCD871B9CAA718.jpg[/image] SS Wiking was left unmolested and the pocket is sealed as 2nd Pz Army meets 6th Army coming up from the south. Careful listeners to Comrade Brian's propaganda broadcasts may notice a slight increase of pitch in his voice [:D]. In the meantime the rest of the panzer blob heads west towards Tambov and the key rail junction in the ballsack, clearing out almost all of the woods running north from the hex SE of Tambov. A solitary rifle division fails to retreat in time.

Michael T -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (1/16/2017 8:05:23 PM)
Soviet resistance seems rather futile at this point.

sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (1/16/2017 9:48:55 PM)
No good putting this on my AAR, Michael [:D]

sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (1/18/2017 7:21:44 PM)
losses [image]local://upfiles/35790/59632C0B34DC461EB1D3622DC1895435.jpg[/image] First losses screen under the new regime, and seems to be the whole of T80 + G T81. At start of my turn losses were 27K and 75K gor G and R respectively, so in turn losses were about 9K to 40K. Air losses for the 1.5 turns were 151 to 458.Unit kills 5 rifle xx (2gd) 2 rifle x and 1 arty regt. A total of 20 m/power centres go out of production -18 captured + 2 displaced.

sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (1/18/2017 7:30:38 PM)
OOB [image]local://upfiles/35790/0F9159A3F4C34A079C495F9B94D28A69.jpg[/image] The drop in R OOB by 30K took me by surprise given that losses in my turn weren't that high. Either Brian's manpower problem is worse than I thought or else he disbanded some units (presumably RR repair brigades as being the only ones he doesn't need for a while). If I'm right about the disbands, his OOB should climb back a bit next turn.The only other explanation is that killing 10K per turn is enough to stop his OOB growing. That would be a bit tragic. He doesn't get any reinforcement units in Jan other than the return of empty shells.

sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (1/20/2017 8:17:34 AM)
Thoughts on T81 A good turn with a large pocket secured + 18 baby factories captured and 2 displaced. It remains a foot race...........but it is clear the Brian can stop me in places where he concentrates enough force. Not pictured - a german corps and allied forces close in on Astrakhan. LW recce units have been trying to find Archangel but without success [&:]

sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (1/20/2017 8:19:17 AM)
T82 ballsack [image]local://upfiles/35790/44BB4EB5ECC94186BE3313DDB192FD06.jpg[/image]

sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (1/20/2017 8:25:49 AM)
losses screen at end of turn [image]local://upfiles/35790/C2FDA4CC85144461A3FA02EFBCAF44C7.jpg[/image] From the German losses, I think this is losses from last R turn and this G turn.

sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (1/20/2017 8:37:22 AM)
Thoughts on T82 An explosive start to '43. 60K R casualties from the pocket and another 9K in combat. Tambov and Voronezh fall which helped the capture of 60 baby factories this turn with 2 more being displaced. 2 mini pockets formed and Gross Deutschland div advances 70 miles to cut the last rail line into the remains of the pocket. There is still quite a lot to be done to destroy the ballsack, but Brian's voice must surely have increased in pitch by an octave or two [:D].In the meantime, elements of Axis forces have reached Astrakhan. On a more sombre note, R defences around Penza are like a brick wall and, further east, I had to rescue the 242nd inf div from a Russian pocket. I have yet to lose a german division in this game and don't intend to start now. The LW continues to do well. Air losses 60 to 278. 6 rifle xx (1 gd), 1 cav xx, 2 tank x, 7 rifle x , 2 regts and 1 bn destroyed. Russian OOB reduced by 50K this turn with losses of virtually 130K. I have now captured 1695 baby factories (up by 169 in the last 6 weeks). As he's receiving about 13K disabled returns pw, this is consistent with his fresh m/power now being just under 70K pw. That will now reduce by 9K pw with the R manpower multiplier reducing from 40 to 35 from 1 Jan. However, I notice Steltek says he's only getting 50K men pw in his game v Pelton. I don't know if S has lost a lot more territory, or else my numbers are too pessimistic.

sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (1/21/2017 7:57:20 PM)
T83 [image]local://upfiles/35790/E20F995220744C3787D6C890C14839F0.jpg[/image] My loyal Nazi hordes make another lurch to the left, but can't quite join up with a panzer xxx that had been sent round from the main blob a couple of turns ago. This move took a lot of herding north and south to create a 3 hex wide corridor for supplies to get through.

sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (1/22/2017 4:01:06 PM)
Whilst I'm waiting for Slitherine to sort out the server shambles for the 2nd consecutive weekend [:@], here are my thoughts on T83. Loss screen at start showed 14.5K axis to 52.6 R. By end of turn losses had increased by 14.5K and 48.1K respectively with 25K captured which means 2K more Hiwis [:)]. 29 more baby factories captured and by end of turn air losses were 46 (half recce + transports) to 261. I now have 270 of the required 260VPs. Supplies to the blob are good with the rail-head now at Tambov. I have been using 2 FBDs on this line as they can convert 7 hexes every 2 weeks instead of 5 with one. Worth it as it's by far the most important line at the moment. R OOB down a massive 70K this turn to 5.34M though I can't help but think some of this must be disbands of RR units or other non-combatants.

sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (1/24/2017 5:14:31 PM)
T84 action [image]local://upfiles/35790/6279ACA315C94317AE2CB1D17F649B29.jpg[/image] Brian doesn't seem to realise that's it's his job to be the passive recipient of my offensives, and he is becoming a bit annoying here[:D]. Infantry reinforcements arrive and more on the way.

sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (1/24/2017 7:57:35 PM)
ballsack [image]local://upfiles/35790/73790D6DFEA84B0F90E8326833E54AA8.jpg[/image] Pockets in the south secured but only a small push north as most of the panzers rest and refuel ready to push on to Ryazan. Infantry starts to catch up.

sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (1/26/2017 10:39:29 AM)
Losses at start of turn were 15.5K to 50.4K, and in-turn losses were 4.1K to 30.6K. End of turn air losses 31 (22 transports) to 190. 4 rifle xx, 1 rifle x, 1 tank x and 1 regt destroyed. OOBs now 4.05 to 5.34. Another 53 baby factories captured. the capture of Tula gives me 273 VPs. The panzer blob has been in continuous offensive action for a year now, but is still remarkably strong. General attrition is far too low. The only real downside change is NM reduction, along with Russian NM increases. Truck numbers are down, but that's largely because I have 180K waiting to be repaired. However, we did start before the starting truck levels were reduced by 75K which changed things quite a lot. Also, because I mainly play as R, I am very careful not to waste trucks.

sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (1/30/2017 3:13:33 PM)
T85 [image]local://upfiles/35790/0F218A43FEE14ACB931C2B42CCB46118.jpg[/image] Nothing v. exciting unless you enjoy the sight of Brian's 1st successful pocket at far right." inf xx and 1 regt. Otherwise, I continue to mop up the ball sack.

sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (1/30/2017 3:32:25 PM)
Thought on T85. An excellent turn for losses, showing 21.5K to 41.1K at start of turn, and with in-turn losses of 7K to 67K including 59K captives. Air losses by end of turn 26 to 265 and 8 more baby factories captured. 1 rifle xxx, 4 rifle xx (1 gd), 1 tank x, 1 a/b x, 7 rifle x and 1 sapper regt destroyed. I doubt I will get a turn like this again...... Whilst total axis casualties were 28.5K, axis forces received an additional 39K men this turn so I'm still turning in a profit. Where next????????????

sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (2/2/2017 2:17:40 PM)
T86 [image]local://upfiles/35790/ECC348D6D3F24F9BAA616FBEE5AC0E15.jpg[/image] countering Brian's uncalled-for aggression by herding 2 tank xxx into a pocket, though it may not hold.

sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (2/2/2017 2:19:08 PM)
Ballsack [image]local://upfiles/35790/9B8BE57A3E5349DDB78D42E503FF87AD.jpg[/image] With the capture of Ryazan, Operation Ballsack has achieved its objectives including the removal of 2 army sized and oval-shaped clusters of units from the bottom of the sack and 198 manpower centres captured, destroyed or relocated. By end of turn G OOB 4.03M after losing those units, but R down to lowest for a long time of 5.31M

sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (2/7/2017 10:01:13 AM)
T87 [image]local://upfiles/35790/654609A6174A4BFDBBFD67DDE6A814C6.jpg[/image] In the east, Brian opened a supply corridor to his tank xxx. Though I closed it again, he would have simply reopened it, so I reluctantly decided to rout the tank xxx out. Around Ryazan, simply securing the major river line and some of the marsh hexes on the north bank, plus trying to improve the position in front of Moscow. Losses inc. my turn were 17.1K to 65.3K, air 25 to 261. ! rifle xx, 2 rifle x and 1 tank x destroyed. Still wondering where to go next to weaken the Red Army.

sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (2/9/2017 10:53:07 AM)
T88 [image]local://upfiles/35790/AEE4F6D7BC584023B8B06D30760EA5F1.jpg[/image] Just a bit more positioning - partly for it's own sake and partly to distract Brian from noticing that I've started moving some panzers to try to create an early, successful mini-Kursk, though obviously not in the same location.like the original, it isn't going to work if he sees it coming. I'm such a stickler for tradition [:D]

sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (2/11/2017 3:27:04 PM)
T89 Was so uneventful that I didn't take any screenshots, though I did note that captured baby factories were now supplyng over 3K Hiwis/turn

sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (2/11/2017 3:28:25 PM)
T90 My planned homage to Kursk is due to start on T92. It does look like the obvious place from the shape. Secondly, as Pelton used to say, at this stage in a game it's all about the distance to Berlin, and the troops in the bulge are the closest. The terrain is very defensible there with only 1 clear hex in the bulge but lots of rough.A few rivers, especially the one in the south side of the salient, mean that I have to attack whilst they are still frozen. On the plus side, if I encircle his troops, the terrain will hamper any rescue effort. I've got half way to getting 290 VPs (Ryazan was VP 275) after getting the 260 I needed to win originally, but getting 290 VPs isn't going to be possible. I will play to hold onto as many as possible until the end of the game, so this may end up as the longest wite AAR ever unless Brian surrenders which doesn't seem likely at the moment [:D]. [image]local://upfiles/35790/E7B2A57D42594CD39314500B5DD57934.jpg[/image] The 3 division pz xxx on the west flank has temporarily been allocated to an inf xxx so it be put on refit. It's own HQ won't catch up until next turn because I had already used all my rail points. Many of the units gathering on the south side have had to walk for the same reason, so are not yet in position and/or need a turn's rest. I woould also like to get some more armour up there before starting. Infantry divisions aroud the bulge start preparing for their role as intial breakthrough troops by reacvating from static mode. Attacks around Moscow continue to try to fix Brian's defences in place.

sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (2/11/2017 3:35:37 PM)
further east [image]local://upfiles/35790/FC73E93DBFCC44598329735B498E7867.jpg[/image] A panzer xxx drives east along the rail line and splits up int regts in the hope that they are spotted by soviet recce planes. What else can I do when I can't get hold of any fake vehicles? I also try to draw him to the east by doing a few attacks at the far end of the lines. i cav xx and 1 rifle xx shatter but overall combat casualties are very low.

EwaldvonKleist -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (2/11/2017 4:58:38 PM)
I hope there will be at least one last big bang. A 1943 summer offensive to Kubyshew or something like this? (+ a Stalingrad style counterattack [:D]). I have no mid/late war experience, so for me it is suprising that Brian can still fight back or even stalemate you. I mean, only 1 1/2 million men more (parity with Axis allies respectively) + much Industry destroyed+many trucks lost etc. etc.

sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (2/12/2017 8:18:54 PM)
T91 TREACHERY AND SABOTAGE!!!!!!!!!!! My secret plans have been discovered by Brian. (Editor's note: this is not an accusation against any reader. The AAR is running 3 turns behind the game). Brian's recce a/c flew several missions over the units forming up on the southern side of the bulge. I have no idea of what he has seen but there does seem to be a strengthening of his defences in that area. I can't leave it for another week but decide to launch with what I have. [image]local://upfiles/35790/E17EC35A85F44594A92314E7B6EF1A23.jpg[/image] After initial penetrations by the infantry (with some armour support in the south), the southern thrust, led by Das Reich still penetrates 30 miles on a very narrow front against the new, stronger defences. Once through the crust the tanks push north and turn to face the expected counter-attacks from the east where several infantry corps inc. guards were identified. Fortunately 24th Pz Corps with only 3 divisions, striking unseen from the west, does better. Gross Deutschland races 40 miles through deep snow and dense woods to link up with DR to form a strong pocket containing lots of goodies.

smokindave34 -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (2/12/2017 8:28:31 PM)
What is the name of this axis operation?

sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (2/12/2017 8:48:06 PM)
Someone posted earlier re Operation Ballsack that B must have a penetration further north. However, this is a family-friendly forum and the penetration is very small. I have named it Operation Appendicectomy after another small body part that has no useful purpose.

sillyflower -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (2/12/2017 9:17:58 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: EwaldvonKleist I hope there will be at least one last big bang. A 1943 summer offensive to Kubyshew or something like this? (+ a Stalingrad style counterattack [:D]). I have no mid/late war experience, so for me it is suprising that Brian can still fight back or even stalemate you. I mean, only 1 1/2 million men more (parity with Axis allies respectively) + much Industry destroyed+many trucks lost etc. etc. Brian's survival is wholly down to the new rule about free unit returns. That and hs stubbornness which would shame a mule [:D] His units generally seem to be about 60% of TOE tho' I do sometimes find much weaker ones that shatter when attacked. Wehrmacht TOE is 10% below what it should be according to that helpful new report. Not that I can complain when Brian's deficit must be around the 45% mark. What is making a huge difference now is NM which means G NM is about the same as that of R guards units. I therefore expect that there is something close to parity in combat power, leaving out the allies which don't have much though they play an essential role. To recreate the panzer blob this summer would leave other areas too vulnerable to attack + serious losses. Taking eg Penza and Kubyshev won't win the war when all I need to is to hang onto Berlin for the next 2.5 years. My duty is keep the Red Army too weak to win the war and to retain as many VPs as possible to give the Fuhrer the time and resources to create the wonder weapons that will force the Coalition of the Evil Capitalist Imperialist Bolsheviks to the negotiating table. How to do that most effectively remains to be seen, but we will find out.

chaos45 -> RE: SILLY's SWANSONG NO BRIAN G (2/12/2017 11:25:22 PM)
IDK it would seem that just continuing to hunt any ground you can take to destroy soviet manpower and manpower generation points could slowly cause his collapse at this point.

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